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2mo ago

Innu Blockade Halts Hydro-Québec Surveys at Gull Island

Protesters refuse to leave until Hydro-Québec discloses reconciliation fund payments during direct negotiations

Merlin Philip is one of the protestors who helped barricade the road to Gull Island on Wednesday, after word spread that Hydro-Québec were bringing in equipment to start site surveys.
Signs are shown in this handout photo at the site of a tentatively planned hydroelectric development at Gull Island in Labrador on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Quebec's hydro utility says it has suspended work at the site amid protests by some residents. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Innu Accountability Coalition (Mandatory Credit)
From left: Mary Ann Montague, Chris Dyke, Madeline Sillitt and Matthew Andrew. About 20 protesters from Labrador's Innu community gathered in Gull Island on Wednesday.
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Overview

  • Hydro-Québec announced the suspension of its $10–15 million geotechnical survey involving drilling and tree clearing at Gull Island after about 20 Innu protesters blocked access roads on July 9.
  • The blockade, led by members of Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu First Nations, aims to protect the Manishan Nui gathering site and surrounding forest from potential flooding and disruption.
  • Protesters are demanding an accounting of disbursements from the June agreement in principle that commits $87 million over 16 years to a reconciliation fund.
  • Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said the company respects community concerns and will open channels for further dialogue as it monitors the blockade.
  • Protesters plan to maintain their presence until transparent discussions address environmental and cultural impacts, and they expect more community members to join.